Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 3:48 p.m.

SEC preview South Carolina

Focus remains same

Spurrier envisions SEC title

In this Oct. 26, 2013 file photo, South Carolina quarterback Dylan Thompson throws a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)

SEC TITLE SCENARIO South Carolina draws two tough assignments from the SEC West, a season opener against Texas A&M and a game at SEC champion Auburn. Mike Davis will need to carry the running game behind a veteran line, Thompson will have to show consistency, and the defense will need to make significant strides after losing five starters for the Gamecocks to contend.

Steve Spurrier has guided South Carolina firmly into SEC East contention in his nine seasons, but there is one key piece missing from his tenure in Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina schedule

DATE;OPPONENT;TIME (TV)

Aug. 28; Texas A&M;5 p.m. (SECN)

Sept. 6; East Carolina;6 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sept. 13; Georgia;2:30 p.m. (CBS)

Sept. 20; at Vanderbilt*;—

Sept. 27; Missouri*;—

Oct. 4; at Kentucky*;—

Oct. 18; Furman;—

Oct. 25; at Auburn*;—

Nov. 1; Tennessee*;—

Nov. 15; at Florida*;—

Nov. 22; South Alabama;—

Nov. 29; at Clemson;—

*SEC game

South Carolina glance

LAST SEASON 12-2, 7-1 (1st in SEC West)

COACH Steve Spurrier (41-31 in 10th year at South Carolina, 219-79-2 in 25th year overall)

SEC TITLE SCENARIO South Carolina draws two tough assignments from the SEC West, a season opener against Texas A&M and a game at SEC champion Auburn. Mike Davis will need to carry the running game behind a veteran line, Thompson will have to show consistency, and the defense will need to make significant strides after losing five starters for the Gamecocks to contend.

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